Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,366
48th percentile (60th in OK)
Median Debt
$22,250
8% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.50
Manageable
Sample Size
290
Adequate data

Analysis

Oklahoma State's marketing graduates start earning slightly below the national median at $44,366, but their trajectory tells a more promising story. Within four years, earnings jump 28% to $56,827—outpacing most Oklahoma marketing programs and approaching University of Oklahoma's results despite OSU's broader accessibility (71% admission rate versus OU's more selective profile). Among Oklahoma's 14 marketing programs, this one ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, meaningfully above the state median of $41,018.

The debt picture strengthens the value case. At $22,250, graduates carry less debt than both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50—half their first-year salary. This manageable burden becomes even more favorable as earnings climb through the mid-$50,000s by year four. For families weighing in-state options, OSU delivers middle-tier starting salaries but top-tier debt levels, a combination that creates financial breathing room early in graduates' careers.

The takeaway: This is a solid choice for Oklahoma families seeking affordable marketing credentials with clear income progression. You're not paying for OU's premium outcomes, but you're also not shouldering premium debt, and the four-year earnings trajectory suggests graduates develop marketable skills that translate into raises and promotions.

Where Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally

Oklahoma State University-Main CampusOther marketing programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (14 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus$44,366$56,827$22,2500.50
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus$57,331$76,370$21,5000.38
Oral Roberts University$41,590$22,0000.53
Oklahoma Christian University$40,447$21,5000.53
Northeastern State University$39,360$40,972$18,3710.47
University of Central Oklahoma$38,628$49,915$22,3500.58
National Median$44,728$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Oklahoma

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oklahoma schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman
$9,595$57,331$21,500
Oral Roberts University
Tulsa
$34,100$41,590$22,000
Oklahoma Christian University
Edmond
$25,900$40,447$21,500
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah
$7,513$39,360$18,371
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond
$8,522$38,628$22,350

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 290 graduates with reported earnings and 286 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.